There are no prerequisites needed to apply for the BSW program. However, there are some recommended courses that can be helpful for interested students to take.

For a more detailed explanation of the application instructions listed below, please view our BSW Application Workshop that was held on January 12, 2023.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The School of Social Work evaluates applications based on both a student’s academic preparedness and their readiness for the study of professional social work. Applicants must submit all application materials electronically. These materials include:

• Two references
• Statement
• Current Resume
• Unofficial Transcript

Please read through the following instructions carefully before completing the application. Have your Statement, Resume, and Transcript ready prior to completing the online application to the BSW Program.

References

Two (2) References are required.

• Reference I: Please select someone who is able to discuss your college-level academic preparedness and assess your potential for success in a professional undergraduate program.

Examples: a past or current college/university instructor who has graded your work; an academic advisor; a professional who has provided academic coaching to support you as a scholar, etc.

• Reference II: Please select someone who is able to assess your potential for success as a professional social worker, based on your values, interests, and/or experiences.

Examples: a supervisor from a work, internship, or volunteer experience; a mentor or spiritual/religious leader who has overseen your participation in a community engagement experience; a current or past instructor of a course you have taken that closely aligns with social work; a professional who has witnessed or contributed to your leadership development, etc.

Note: References should not include: Friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers/colleagues, personal counselors/therapists, or others in similar roles.

To complete the “Reference Information” portion of application:

• Enter names and contact information for two references in the online BSW application.
• Email each reference directly, requesting that they complete a reference to support your application to the BSW program. You can attach the Recommendation Form to your email. Your email should also:
  • Ask each reference to email the completed reference form to the Office of Student and Academic Services at the School of Social Work at swadmission@uconn.edu.
  • Notify each reference that their completed form must be submitted by the application deadline of February 15.

Statement

Your statement is a crucial part of your application. The content and writing quality of your statement will allow reviewers to gain a sense of who you are as an individual and to develop an understanding of what led you to choose a career in social work. Reviewers will also use it to assess how your experiences have prepared you for the study of professional social work and to determine the extent to which you are prepared and motivated for undergraduate education in social work.

Your statement should answer the following questions:

• Why do you want to pursue a professional degree in social work?
• How have your past and current coursework, your life experiences, and any volunteer/community service/internship, and/or employment experience prepared you for the study of professional social work? Discuss how these experiences have helped you develop specific skills and an understanding of qualities such as responsibility, compassion, judgement, determination, flexibility, ethics, and professionalism.
• Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience. How does your experience with and/or knowledge of diversity inform your desire to obtain a BSW degree? (You may refer to experiences such as course work, life experience, volunteer/community service experience, a study abroad experience, etc.)

Required formatting instructions for your statement:

• Use standard essay format.
• Write one statement that addresses all three questions. Do not write three different statements addressing each question separately.
• Your statement should be approximately 3 pages double-spaced, using 12 pt. font (prior to cutting and pasting it into the application).
• Upload your statement into the online BSW application.

Writing tips:

• Write a draft of your statement, take a break, and come back to it later to work on editing and clarifying.
• If possible, utilize the writing lab to obtain feedback on your statement.
• Do not rely solely on automatic spelling and grammar checks.
• Read your statement aloud for flow and accuracy.
• Be specific, and make sure that you fully address what each question is asking.
• Make sure your statement expands beyond describing your personal life experiences and/or beyond discussing your desire to help people. You could mention what you learned in a course or employment experience that inspired you.

Current Resume

Upload a current resume as a PDF directly into the online BSW application.

Unofficial Transcript

Upload your transcript as a PDF directly into the online BSW application (for current UConn Students).

Transfer Students

The above instructions are for the pieces of the application that pertain to the Social Work Major that are in addition to the UConn Application requirements.  Click here for additional information on the UConn application. 

Prior to completing your application, please read the information in the "Preparing Your Application" section.

Application for Current UConn Students

Application for Transfer Students

Students are admitted into the program beginning in mid-March. Students must have earned a minimum of 54 credits to be considered a junior by the end of the spring semester.

BSW Major Course Sequence 

Currently, students can apply to live in residential housing at the Storrs campus or can live elsewhere. Regardless of where the student lives, they will identify Hartford as their campus. Visit the Residential Life website to learn more about residential housing at Storrs.